2 StepOnPins.com Classes Announced!

I am pleased to share date information on the next two StepOnPins eclasses- including my long awaited Tablet Class, held just after Beginning Photoshop Elements Class by the Pixeladies!

Introduction Photoshop Elements March 2012- Registration begins on February 16, 2012 for the March 5-25, 2012 Beginning Photoshop Elements Classby the amazing Pixeladies!  Here is a mini-description for this introductory class:

Through online lessons, videos, and webinars (real-time online meetings), you will learn the tools that allow you to perform magic with Photoshop. We will focus on selection tools, their function, and how to use them. We will introduce you to the wonderful world of layers. Working with layers is much easier than getting out the seam ripper!

This is a true beginning class using PSE, no experience with this program is required.  This class fulfills the prerequisite for my Tablet Design Class.

Tablet Design Class for Quilters-  Carla Barrett’s Tablet Design Class is scheduled for April 16-May 5, 2012.  This class teaches students how to use their tablet, combined with Photoshop Elements program, to design quilts, quilting lines, pantograph designs, wholecloth quilts and more!    Registration will begin on March 26, 2012.  *Please be aware that this class does have a prerequisite- Beginning Photoshop Elements Class or equivalent proficiency with using PSE.  Please note that StepOnPins.com is offering a March Beginning Photoshop Elements Class by the Pixeladies.  If you are new to PSE and/or need a refreshment class, please sign up for the March Class.

Tablet Types Used in this class:  Students will need any of the following type of tablets for this class, along with Photoshop Elements, version 8-10, loaded onto your computer:

1. Wacom Brand Tablet- any Bamboo, Intuos or Cintiq models. Plug-in Peripheral Tablet.
2. Wacom Competitor Tablet Plug-in peripheral.
3. PC Tablet Slate- Window 7 and needs to run Photoshop Element.  Many brands are available.
4. PC Tablet Convertible- Laptop or Notebook with Tablet feature.

Ipad and Android Tablets will not be used in this class as they are not able to run Photoshop Elements program.  For more information about tablets, please see this blog post HERE.

Here are a few class examples showing you what you will be learning.  The class will cover using your tablet to design on quilts like my designs shown below:

Quilt top by Joyce Abbott

Quilt top by Cindy Bartosewcz, shown above.  Please not that I have used a Sherry Rogers-Harrison digital design in both quilts for my design inspiration.

You will also learn how to create other designs, including a wholecloth quilt.  Here is a wholecloth quilt design I drew on my tablet:

More Creative Exercise projects are also completed in the class.  A full class description is coming soon, along with price, how to register and more information.

Buying a New PC Tablet

I am currently researching new PC tablets, since my last one, an HP Touchsmart tm2, has a broken display screen.   I am in the midst of shooting/editing video and drawing illustrations for my online Tablet Design Class, so I need a new tablet asap.  The tablet market changes rapidly, so I thought I would share about my search to buy a replacement one to fit my needs.

Let’s first talk about the different types of tablets available on the market today.  Here is a basic overview:

iPad Tablets and Competitor Android OS Tablets- iPad revolutionized the industry by their introduction of the iPad.  Rushing to compete were a wide variety of competitors offering Google’s Android Operating System (OS).

I do own an iPad, and love it, but for serious artists, a Drawing App using your finger or one of the stylus pens on the market is no comparison to using a fully featured drawing software program.

On the subject of stylist pens for the iPad, thanks to blog reader Jenni for letting me know about the Adonit Jot Pro Stylist pen.  This is a fine point stylist, and I have one on order, so I will review it when it arrives.  Previously, I had purchased the Pogo pen by TenOneDesign, and was disappointed by the large finger sized tip.

Pros: fun to use, versatile, Apps, portable, etc.

Cons: initial cost, monthly usage fee, cannot use drawing software programs, only Apps.

PC Tablets- A Tablet PC is a mobile computer which has a special display screen which allows you to draw with a  stylus pen directly on the monitor screen.  Some models also allow you to draw with your finger as well.

There are two main types of PC Tablets which run Windows OS- Slate and Convertible.  I much prefer the Convertible PC tablet models, so that is what I will be buying.    The market is moving in the direction of Slate PCs, and so many Convertible PCs have been discontinued.  Here is a discussion of both types.

Convertible Tablet PC (shown above) looks a much like a typical laptop or notebook, but has a special display screen which rotates 180 degrees and can be converted into a slate-like notepad mode.  You can use the special pen stylus to draw right on the screen, though you do need to have a drawing software program.  Otherwise, this type of mobile computer is used just like a laptop or notebook.

Pros: Ease of use and mobility,  laptop/notebook function and keyboard, drawing on display screen is natural for artists. Price for used or refurbished models on ebay can be less than half the cost.  Larger HDD memory allows large program use, such as Photoshop CS5.

Cons: Many models have been discontinued in favor of slate models.  Price for new models average between $1-2K US, heavier than slate PC.  Rotating display more fragile.

Slate PC Tablet: A slate PC tablet is different from the convertible PC as they do not have a standard keyboard or a rotating display screen. (note: some slate models [ie. Samsung Series 7] do offer keyboards as accessories)  Instead, you type on the flat screen, which can be awkward.  They are thinner than a convertible PC and offer less data storage space than a convertible PC tablet.  Some brands will not run large programs (like Photoshop CS5), so be sure your purchase will run the software you need it to.

Pros: no rotating hinge to break, mobile, lightweight, thinner than convertibles.  I believe that Slate technology and OS will improve greatly in the next few years, smaller packaging and advances in data storage will allow user to run large programs (such as Photoshop CS5).  Slates may use Solid State Drive (SSD), which is less susceptible to physical shock.

Cons: flat keyboard can take some time to get used to, though some slates offer keyboard accessory package.  Inability to run extremely large programs (ie. Photoshop CS4)  at the time of this writing and overall smaller data storage than used in convertibles.  Price.

Tablet Plug in Peripherals- The third main type of Tablet display device is a tablet which plugs into your computer USB port, though there are some models which is wireless using a Bluetooth USB adaptor.

Wacom dominates this market, though there are other manufacturers, too.  These are tablets which plug into your desktop or laptop computer by way of a USB port (usually).  The exception is the wireless Wacom Intuos, which uses Bluetooth USB adaptor to provide a wireless solution.  You can also buy a wireless accessory kit for the Bamboo Create and Connect.

Wacom’s offers 3 main product line of tablets: entry level Bamboo (Bamboo Create,shown above); Intuos, and the high end Cintiq models.  With the Bamboo and Intuos models, you look at your display screen and draw off to the side.  This can take some getting used to, and is a serious drawback for professional artists.  I own the largest size Intous, and never use it for just that reason.  Cintiq models are the exception and you can see what you are drawing right on the display screen.   Compare this image to the Bamboo image above:

All the Wacom (and competitors) product lines offer different sizes of tablets.  Drawing on a small tablet is annoying and frustrating, in my opinion.   I always tell my students to buy the largest sized tablet display screen that they can afford, if they are looking at purchasing a Wacom brand of tablet.

Pros: low entry price of the Bamboo line, which often comes bundled with Photoshop Element and other programs.  Only option for Apple users, though it does work with both Apple and PC computers.  Resolution is higher in Cintiq line than PC Tablets.

Cons: drawing off to the side while looking at your computer screen takes some getting use to in the Bamboo and Intuos models.  For professional artists, I would recommend the Cintiq line- especially the 2 largest sizes- 21UX and 24HD.  The cost can be a drawback- the 21UX costs $1999 US and the 24HD costs $2599 US.  The larger Cintiqs are heavy, intended  to be used on a desktop. Tethering on non-wireless models can also be a negative.

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Above contains just minimal information concerning Tablets, without getting into lots of specs and details.  If you are in the market for a tablet, consider visiting the Tablet PC Discussion Forum for more research.  Be sure to notice the date of any article or advice given, as the computer tablet industry is rapidly evolving.  Your purchase will be based on your needs combined with your budget.

My Decision:  I own- or have previously owned- a Toshiba Tablet PC Convertible, an HP Touchsmart Tm2 PC Convertible, an iPad and a Wacom Intuos XL.  For my illustrations, including my cartoon, illustrations for classes, quilt design and digital paintings, I have almost exclusively used a tablet PC Convertible drawing in Photoshop 7-CS5 or Photoshop Elements since about 2004.  I use Camtasia 7.0.1 for all my video editing and recording.

Previously, I thought the HP Tm2 product (now discontinued) rather annoying to use with Photoshop, and I found it to be more of a beginning Convertible PC as compared with my older Toshiba Convertible PC Tablet (also discontinued).   This time, my budget is $2,000 US, and I need it to run Windows 7.  Because I support Intel, my DH’s employer, I want the processor to be Intel Core i5 or i7.  Display to be as large as possible, WXGA, with both pen and multi-touch screen. Because I work in Photoshop and create videos, I need lots of system memory and a decent hard drive space.  Graphics to be NVIDIA.

So which one shall I get to fit my needs?

The model I bought is Fujitsu Lifebook T901 Tablet PC.   This will offer me all the features that I need, plus it will be an improvement over my last Convertible Tablet PC.  Other features I prefer- extra battery storage, fingerprint scanner for security, DVD player, larger HD, and  more.

I promise to share a review when the product arrives.  Any comments?  I would love to know what others have purchased.

Regards, Carla

A Few Quilt Designs From the Online Class

My Quilt Whisper design class just ended, but we had a fun 3 weeks.  This class included a fun group of students and I have enjoyed getting to know them all.

Each class, I illustrate my method of quilt design and offer to design quilts for students in my class.  On average, I usually design about 50-75 quilts.  Here are a few quilt designs from the class.  I do want to thank the following students for allowing me to share their quilt and the design I drew for them:  Karen Neary, Cindy Bartosewcz, and Joyce Abbott.

The first quilt is a NY Beauty Roundabout quilt from Karen Neary:

My design for Karen’s quilt:

This next lovely quilt is from Cindy Bartosewcz:

Here is my design for Cindy:

Cindy’s quilt is a stunner, isn’t it?  I do love feathered star quilts.  My design inspiration was a digitized design from Sherry Rogers-Harrison.

The last quilt is from Joyce Abbott.  This is a Kaye England design quilt and was featured recently in Quilt magazine (sorry, not sure which issue):

Here is the vision I see for Joyce’s quilt top:

Joyce has a sweet quilt that would look fabulous with the suggested design.   Once again, I used a lovely digitized design from Sherry Rogers-Harrison for this quilt, too.

Thank you to Joyce, Cindy and Karen for providing permission for me to share their quilts- and the Quilt Whispered designs.

In the my class during Week 3, I show sample quilt whispering for many, many quilts like this.  From e2e and simple custom to more detailed designs like I’ve shown above.

Carla, how do you draw on quilts?  This  is a question I get very often.   I have been designing the quilting this way since 2004- and have shared my method to many of my quilting students.  I use a tablet PC laptop most often, similar to the tablet used by the designers on Project Runway, however, I do own several other tablet’s as well.

There are currently 3 types of tablets on the market these days (2012), and I do own all three types: 1)iPad or Android clone; 2) Tablet plug-in peripheral (ie. Wacom brand is one example); and a Tablet PC.

This spring, I will finally be teaching my tablet design class at StepOnPins.com.   I have delayed teaching this class due to the time it takes to turn an “in-person” class to an “online” class.  Like my Quilt Whisperer Online class, this class will be 3 weeks long, will have fun creative exercises, handouts, videos and lessons.  Plus the weekly live meeting where I answer student questions and draw out visual examples live.

The class will use Photoshop Elements (PSE), and I do require a working knowledge of PSE- or successful completion of the Pixeladies’ Intro to PSE for quilters, sewists, and fiber artists class at StepOnPins.com.  Need the Intro Class to PSE?  We will run this class one more time for students- including those students who really want to know how to design quilts, wholecloths, pantos, and other designs using a tablet and PSE.  Stay tuned for both classes….   Carla

Next Quilt Design Online Class Starts on Jan. 9th, 2012

Do you love quilting and quilting designs?  In my upcoming 3 week online class on quilting design, I teach my step-by-step process for how to more easily design quilts- no matter what your level is.

Quilt Whisperer Class Info and Course Description

How to Register for my Class

In class, you will learn how to take a cute quilt like this:

(quilt by Barbara Kiehn)

and learn how to design it like this example:

In addition to learning my method of “quilt whispering,” you also learn how to quilt sashings, borders and blocks using my favorite designs.

You also learn my favorite feather designs and variations, too.  Here is a sample from class:

We also discuss inspiration, and how to build your own quilting idea journal.  For instance,  my inspiration is from a yacht, the settee fabric:

   Next, is my quilting designs, inspired from the fabric:

More info is located at StepOnPins.com, where the class is being held.  Links are located at the top of this post.

By the way, I am also running a Free Blog Give-a-way Contest HERE.  The winner, who follows my 1-2-3 directions, will win their choice of one (1) custom Carla project, made especially for them, in their favorite colors.  Here are visuals of previous projects:

or or or or

Good Luck!  From Carla

Registration for the next Quilt Whisperer Class Has Started!

Thought I would mention that registration started today for my January 2012 Quilt Whisperer Class on quilting design.

Quilt Whisperer Class Info and Course Description

How to Register for my Class

See my  Free Blog Give-a-way Contest HERE.

On other news, I am getting a new toy for my studio- an Intelliquilter add-on to my current longarm machine.  My plan is to digitize my own drawings, so that my quilting still looks like my work, rather than a “computery” look.  I do not like it when I see a quilt at a show that screams, “Computer Quilting.”  With a little extra work, the artist can make it look hand guided.   Anyone else feel this way?

Enjoy your day!  Carla

Quilt Whispering Example

Last month, I visited a friendly, welcoming guild in Phoenix for a lecture and workshop.  The lecture was my Quilt Whisper one, and I love to ask guild members to send me quilt tops pictures to design and include in my PowerPoint presentation.

Here is a lovely quilt by AZ Quilter Janet Grant- who kindly gave me permission to share her quilt and my proposed design with you.  Btw, this stunning quilt design is by Judy Neimeyer):

Here is my proposed quilting design for Janet:

Here is a close up of a section:

I hope you enjoyed this Quilt Whispering Example!  Have fun!  Carla

Works In Progress

Thanks for the emails asking me why I have been quiet.  I am working on getting ready for the Phoenix Guild trip, and for the Fall Class schedule.

In Phoenix, I am giving a lecture on Quilt Whispering, followed by a workshop on Doodle Art Fills.  Here is my class logo:

I have expanded this class to a full day workshop, so I have added lots of fun Creative Exercises, including this class sample project:

Last weekend, Joe and I went to Fort Bragg, CA, and of course I went sea glass hunting!  The ocean is so refreshing, I envy the readers who live near the ocean!

Back to work now!  Hugs, Carla

Successful Class!

With my 3 week long Quilt Whisperer 101 Online Class wrapping up, I have the free time to blog again!  I am happy to report that the class went well, and the live meetings were fun to do.  Thanks to all the students in the July QW Class for your hard work and for taking my class.

So what’s next?  Next up is a Tablet Design Class, which is already written.  However, I still need to shoot and edit the videos for the weekly lessons.  Here are examples of what the class will teach.  How to draw a wholecloth quilt using a tablet:

 

How to design quilt tops using a tablet.  Here is the before:

Quilt top by Debby B.

Here is the designed quilt:

(Thanks to Debby B. for allowing me to share her lovely quilt top)

The class teaches many other skills, too.  How to design Edge-2-Edge designs and pantos, and how to PPP with your tablet, and more!

Once I finish my videos for this class, the class will be announced and my mailing list notified by an email newsletter.  If you wish to be on the class list, just post a reply here- or on my class page.

Other news:  With an adorable grandbaby in the home, Joe and I lives are enriched!  Ethan is now 3 months and is so cute… a Gerber baby really!  He is a good natured baby, healthy, and even sleeps through the night!  He is a precious gift.

My next speaking and workshop is scheduled for September in Phoenix, Arizona.  I am honored they asked me to come.  I will be giving a lecture on Quilt Whispering, and my workshop will be my Doodle Art Fill Class.  Students will go home with their own original doodle art quilt to later quilt:

How have YOU been?    Happy Summer, Carla

Class Starts Monday!!

My 2011 Online Quilt Whisperer 101 class is set to begin on Monday, July 11th! If you want to join the class, to learn about quilting design, please click below:

Register Here

One of my favorite things I do in the class is offer to design quilts for students, then include them in the last lesson, or within the class forum.  Here is an example of a quilt designed and pieced by Debby Bainbridge:

The next image is my proposed design for Debby, posted with her permission:

The quilting design I suggest is just one of many ways to incorporate motifs and the use of repetition.  I would pick a Superior Rainbow Thread to quilt the quilt, especially in the dark background area.  If she used a dark backing fabric, she could create a double sided quilt, too.  Lots of possibilities here!

Btw, it is not too late to sign up for the class!  Registration closes on July 15th, 2011.   If you are a student in the current class, this is a reminder to send me your quilt top images.

Registration Update!

I am pleased to report that the class is now half full!  Registration continues until the first week of the class- usually I close it on July 15th, 2011.  For more info, here is a link to the class description.

This class has a wonderful mix of all types of quilters.  From domestic machine (home sewing machine) users to professional quilters.  Plus some art quilters, too.  Thank you for signing up so quickly!

WIP stands for “work in progress.”  You all know I always have several projects going on at any given time.  Quilty wise, I am working on a special “story quilt” for a friend, Virginia.  What makes this quilt special is that it memorializes her husband, who passed away about 2 years ago.  Virginia took a class from Mary Lou Weidman, who is known for her whimsical story quilts.  With Virginia’s permission, I will show you the quilt when I am done.

Other news:  Congrats to Jayne Moore, who won “Best of Show” at the local Fair show.  You all might remember Jayne’s quilt, which I quilted last year:

Here is a close-up of a random block:

Apparently, it won a first in the “professionally quilted division,” so I get a ribbon, too!

That’s all for now!  What are YOU up to?  Carla